Background: Premenstrual syndrome is a cyclic recurrence of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle of combination of distressing physical, psychological of sufficient severity to result in deterioration of interpersonal relationships and /or interference with normal activities. Traditionally, Vitex agnus castus fruit extract has been used in the treatment of many female conditions.
Objective: Assess of Vitex agnus - castus effect (4.3 – 4.8mg dry extract) on treatment of premenstrual syndrome.
Methods: Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group comparison over two menstrual cycles on students of Tehran Medical University and Tehran University, that live in dormitory. Volunteers under vent a preliminary screening interview, completed Daily Symptom Rating (DSR) (contain 18 symptoms) for two cycle, and attended a medical screening visit before being diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome and screening for depression by Beck questionary. 116 students were screened and 99 were evaluated (active: 49 placebo: 50). Participants took Vitex agnus - castus (dry extract tablets) one tablet daily or matching placebo for two cycles. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytic statistics (chi-square, fisher exact test, willcoxon, mann- whitney u and t test).
Results: Decrease of severity of premenstrual syndrome was significantly greater in the Vitex group compared with placebo group in total symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (60.73% versus 20.79%, p<0.001), psychological symptoms (65.62% versus 28.19%, p<0.001) and physical symptoms (57.98% versus 16.22%, p<0.001). Sixteen of eighteen symptoms of premenstrual syndrome indicate significant superiority for Vitex, other symptoms including (suicide and swelling of extremities) being unaffected by treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in regard to adverse events.
Conclusion: Vitex is an effective treatment for the relief of symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome.